Ag Leaders Gather to Discuss Solutions for Dicamba Use in 2018

A news release yesterday from University of Missouri Extension indicated that, “University of Missouri Extension brought farm, agribusiness and agency leaders together Aug. 24 to address issues associated with the use of dicamba and discuss a path forward for dicamba in 2018.

“Robert Kallenbach, assistant dean at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said the group met to exchange perspectives on the use of dicamba going forward.”

Yesterday’s news item added that, “Widespread crop damage from dicamba grew in 2017 to more than 325,000 of Missouri’s 6 million acres of soybean. Damage to residential yards and smaller acreages of peaches, watermelons, tomatoes, grapes, pumpkins and certified organic vegetables were reported.

“Complaints in 2016 were limited primarily to Missouri’s Bootheel region, but in 2017 complaints came from more than 50 counties across the state. Complaints grew from 130 in 2016 to 303 to date in 2017.

“Kallenbach said attendees expressed a desire to identify a path forward that best serves the interests of Missouri farmers. ‘The group put several good ideas on the table that warrant serious consideration,’ Kallenbach said.

“Input from this meeting, along with feedback from other stakeholders and surrounding states, will be used to determine future direction.”